12: Resolution on Rwanda

The African Commission on Human
and Peoples’ Rights meeting at its 16th Ordinary Session held from 25
October to 3 November, 1994 in Banjul, The Gambia:

Considering the appointment at the 15th Session of the Vice-Chairman of the
African Commission as Special Rapporteur on extra-judicial executions,

Considering the report of the United Nations Special Rapporteur indicating
that genocide and massive human rights and international humanitarian law
violations have been committed in Rwanda,

Considering the preliminary report of the UN Experts’ Committee on
Rwanda and its findings corroborating those of the UN Special Rapporteur,

Considering the UN Security Council’s decision to approve the establishment
of an international tribunal on Rwanda,

Considering the pledge of the Government of Rwanda and the International
Community as expressed in the The Hague Declaration of 18th September, 1994 to
try the authors of the atrocious crimes committed in Rwanda:

1. Condemns the inhuman and heinous crimes committed in Rwanda during recent
conflict;

2. Expresses its support for the establishment of an international tribunal
by the Unto try those responsible for the crimes;

3. Calls for the convening by the OAU over the next few months in collaboration
with African and international NGOs, a meeting of African and international
experts to study long-term solutions to the problem of impunity in Africa
with special reference to the case of Rwanda, and to formulate appropriate
recommendations;

4. Calls on the OAU to explore ways and means of encouraging African jurists
to participate in the process of reconstruction of the judicial machinery
in Rwanda;

5. Urges the Government of Rwanda to prevent the perpetration of acts of
reprisals and vengeance by the rapid establishment of a new police force and
a local administration respectful of human rights and composed of members
of all ethnic groups of Rwanda;

6. Exhorts the Government of Rwanda to ensure the rapid deployment of national
and international human rights monitors as well as the strengthening of the
interceding peace-keeping forces throughout Rwanda;

7. Urges international institutions and NGOs in general and African NGOs
in particular to contribute to the effort of International solidarity and
assist in the rapid reconstruction of Rwanda through the provision of technical
and financial assistance especially by facilitating the resumption of the
activities of local Human Rights NGOs in Rwanda.